The George Ryder Stakes has been a tough race for Fangirl in the past, but the star mare is poised to rewrite the script this year as she continues her remarkable recovery from a life-threatening injury.

Fangirl contested the race in 2023, finishing a gallant second behind Anamoe, who was in dominant form at the time.

A year later, she was expected to improve on that performance, but a serious stable accident nearly ended her career—and her life.

“She missed the race last year due to injury and was in a really bad way, so to have her back racing and winning… she’s a very special horse to us,” trainer Chris Waller said.

“She ran in it two years ago and wasn’t far off Anamoe. Things didn’t go her way that day, and now she’s a bigger, stronger version of herself.

“I believe she’s ready to peak.”

Fangirl has not only overcome the severe leg injury she sustained in the stable mishap but has returned to the track in career-best form.

After winning the 7 Stakes (1600m) during her spring campaign, she resumed with a victory in the Apollo Stakes (1400m) in February, finishing ahead of Via Sistina. She then ran second to her Cox Plate-winning stablemate in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m).

Waller says Fangirl has improved further since her last run and is in perfect condition for this weekend’s challenge.

“The Apollo Stakes was a special win, and she pushed Via Sistina hard last start. I think both horses needed that run,” Waller said.

With Via Sistina stepping up to 2000 meters in Saturday’s Ranvet Stakes (2000m), Fangirl is the early $3.10 favorite for the George Ryder Stakes (1500m).

The race has attracted a strong field of 11 contenders, including dual Group 1 winner Ceolwulf, All-Star Mile champion Tom Kitten, and first-up Canterbury Stakes winner Royal Patronage.